Classifications

• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16F—SPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION
  • F16F13/00—Units comprising springs of the non-fluid type as well as vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or fluid springs
  • F16F13/04—Units comprising springs of the non-fluid type as well as vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or fluid springs comprising both a plastics spring and a damper, e.g. a friction damper
  • F16F13/06—Units comprising springs of the non-fluid type as well as vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or fluid springs comprising both a plastics spring and a damper, e.g. a friction damper the damper being a fluid damper, e.g. the plastics spring not forming a part of the wall of the fluid chamber of the damper
  • F16F13/08—Units comprising springs of the non-fluid type as well as vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or fluid springs comprising both a plastics spring and a damper, e.g. a friction damper the damper being a fluid damper, e.g. the plastics spring not forming a part of the wall of the fluid chamber of the damper the plastics spring forming at least a part of the wall of the fluid chamber of the damper
  • F16F13/10—Units comprising springs of the non-fluid type as well as vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or fluid springs comprising both a plastics spring and a damper, e.g. a friction damper the damper being a fluid damper, e.g. the plastics spring not forming a part of the wall of the fluid chamber of the damper the plastics spring forming at least a part of the wall of the fluid chamber of the damper the wall being at least in part formed by a flexible membrane or the like
  • F16F13/105—Units comprising springs of the non-fluid type as well as vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or fluid springs comprising both a plastics spring and a damper, e.g. a friction damper the damper being a fluid damper, e.g. the plastics spring not forming a part of the wall of the fluid chamber of the damper the plastics spring forming at least a part of the wall of the fluid chamber of the damper the wall being at least in part formed by a flexible membrane or the like characterised by features of partitions between two working chambers
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16F—SPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION
  • F16F9/00—Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium
  • F16F9/10—Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium using liquid only; using a fluid of which the nature is immaterial
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
  • B60K5/00—Arrangement or mounting of internal-combustion or jet-propulsion units
  • B60K5/12—Arrangement of engine supports

Definitions

• This application relates to a vibration isolator, and more particularly to an integrated channel plate and decoupler assembly used in a vibration isolator.
• Vibration isolators or engine mounts are well known in the automotive industry for controlling or attenuating vibrations related to engine and/or road conditions.
• the vibration isolator is a fluid filled assembly mounted, for example, between an engine and a vehicle frame.
• First and second chambers of the isolator are separated by a channel plate that has an elongated channel providing fluid communication between the chambers.
• the channel allows fluid to oscillate between the chambers and provides a desired dynamic stiffness in response to a selective range of frequencies. For example, large amplitude and low frequency vibrations are effectively dampened and the desired stiffness is provided as a result of the fluid passing through the elongated channel.
• the decoupling means includes a diaphragm or disk (decoupler) that controls fluid flow through an associated passage by oscillating in response to high frequency, low amplitude vibrations.
• the decoupler engages a seat and thus blocks flow through the associated passage and thereby requiring fluid to flow between the chambers through the elongated channel.
• small amplitude, high frequency vibrations require a low stiffness to filter these vibrations.
• the decoupler or decoupling means achieves this operation.
• larger amplitude and lower frequency vibrations require an increased stiffness. Accordingly, the decoupler forces the fluid to pass through the elongated channel to achieve this dampening function.
• the channel plate, decoupler/high frequency washer are typically separate components. This adds to manufacturing and assembly costs. Thus, a need exists to reduce the number of components by integrating them into a single assembly in order to simplify the assembly and reduce costs associated with the manufacture and assembly of vibration isolators or engine mounts.
• a decoupling member is received and integrally molded in the cavity.
• the decoupling member in a preferred embodiment is an elastomeric member that deflects in response to forces imposed thereon.
• the elongated fluid channel extends at least one revolution about the plate.
• the fluid channel extends approximately seven hundred twenty degrees (720°) around the perimeter of the plate.
• a method of forming a vibration isolating assembly comprises the steps of inserting a decoupler into a mold and introducing a polymer into the mold around the decoupler to form a plate that fixes the decoupler in three orthogonal axes relative to the plate.
• the method includes the further step of introducing a cured elastomer decoupler into the mold. [0011 ] The method includes the additional step of forming a perimeter channel in the plate.
• the primary advantage of the invention is the reduction of the number of components in the assembly.
• Still another advantage is the ability to reduce the cost associated with the assembly.
• FIGURE 1 is a longitudinal cross-section of an engine mount assembly or vibration isolator of the general type used to dampen vibrations.
• FIGURE 2 is a digital photograph of a prototype integrated plate assembly for use in an engine mount.
• FIGURE 3 is a plan view of a first or upper surface of the plate assembly.
• FIGURE 4 is an elevational view of the integrated plate assembly.
• FIGURE 5 is a bottom plan view of the integrated plate assembly.
• FIGURE 6 is a cross-sectional view generally along the lines 6-6 of FIGURE
• FIGURE 7 is a sectional view taken generally along the lines 7-7 of FIGURE
• FIGURE 8 is a sectional view taken generally along the lines 8-8 of FIGURE
• FIGURE 9 is a sectional view taken generally along the lines 9-9 of FIGURE
• FIGURE 10 is a sectional view taken generally along the lines 10-10 of
• FIGURE 11 is a sectional view taken generally along the lines 11-11 of
• FIGURE 12 is a graphical representation of the damping characteristics of the vibration isolator plotting dynamic stiffness (Newtons per millimeter) relative to the frequency (Hertz).
• FIGURE 1 generally illustrates a vibration isolator or dampening assembly, also referred to as a hydraulic engine mount assembly such as used in an automotive vehicle.
• the engine mount assembly 20 includes a first housing portion 22 having a first or upper chamber 24 and a second or lower chamber 26 separated by a channel plate 28.
• a fluid such as a hydraulic fluid comprised of, for example, propylene glycol or a mixture of ethylene glycol and water, fills the chambers.
• the chambers are interconnected via a channel or passageway 30 provided in the channel plate.
• the channel is an arcuate passage that is also referred to as an inertia track passageway that impacts on the resonant frequency of the fluid in the mount assembly.
• the channel has a substantially uniform cross-section throughout its entire length and is normally disposed along or adjacent an outer periphery of the plate with multiple windings to maximize the length of the channel.
• Oscillating movement imposed on the upper portion of the housing is dampened through fluid movement from the upper chamber, through the channel, and into the lower chamber which is enclosed by a flexible wall 32.
• the oscillation of the fluid in the channel between the first and second chamber provides the desired dynamic stiffness of the mount assembly. Details of the assembly of FIGURE 1 are generally conventional and understood by one skilled in the art so that further discussion herein is deemed unnecessary. [0028] As noted above, it is desirable to selectively decouple or deactivate the channel during certain frequencies/amplitudes of vibrations.
• decoupling means is preferably an elastomeric member or disk, and on occasion the decoupling means includes a cage containing a particulate matter that selectively blocks and allows fluid flow to the inertia channel.
• decoupler 40 is an elastomeric disk that is integrally molded in polymeric channel plate 42. This construction offers a number of advantages over the prior art arrangement.
• the channel plate is a polymeric or plastic construction having a first or upper surface 44 (FIGURE 3) and an opposed second or lower surface 46 (FIGURE 5).
• An outer peripheral portion 48 of the plate includes a continuous channel, groove, or passage that serves as the inertia passageway 50 in the plate (FIGURE 4).
• a first end of the channel communicates with or forms an opening 52 in the upper surface of the plate that is in fluid communication with the upper chamber 24.
• a second end communicates with or forms an opening 54 in the lower surface 46 of the plate to provide fluid communication with the lower chamber 26 of the assembly.
• the channel extends approximately seven hundred and twenty degrees (720°) in its peripheral path about the plate, although it will be appreciated that other channel lengths can be used without departing from the scope and intent of the invention.
• the channel is provided by channel forming wall 56 that extends approximately mid-height between the upper and lower surfaces around a substantial perimeter of the plate and dividing the perimeter into a first/upper flight 50a and a second or lower flight 50b. Although only two flights are illustrated, it will be appreciated that the channel may include a greater or lesser number to respectively increase or decrease the length of the channel as required for a particular application.
• the dividing wall 56 includes a first angled portion 58 that merges into the upper surface 44 of the plate at a circumferential position located adjacent the opening 52. Additionally, a second angled portion 60 merges from the dividing wall into the lower surface 46 of the plate adjacent the opening 52 therein, h this manner, fluid from the upper chamber proceeds through opening, then travels approximately three hundred and sixty degrees (360°) in the upper flight 50a of the channel then proceeds between the angled portions 58, 60, through another three hundred and sixty degree (360°) traverse on the lower flight 50b, and through the opening 54 in the bottom surface of the plate. In this manner, and under selected amplitude and frequency of vibration, the upper and lower chambers communicate through the inertial passage or channel.
• the decoupling means of the present invention is preferably an elastomeric disk. It is encased within the polymeric channel plate by integrally molding the cured decoupler in a cavity 70 adjacent the upper surface 44 of the plate.
• the cavity 70 is substantially identical in dimension and volume to that of the elastomeric member. This is achieved in the following manner.
• a small diameter opening 72 is preferably formed in the decoupler. This opening allows the decoupler to be held in place within a mold cavity (not shown) on a similarly dimensioned pin (not shown) and held within the mold cavity in a desired spatial relationship relative to the mold walls.
• Polymeric material that when cured forms the channel plate is introduced into the mold cavity and around the decoupler. Once the polymer is cured, the decoupler is held or maintained in fixed relation relative to the plate in three orthogonal, axial directions.
• a matingly located opening 74 is formed in a recess portion 76 of the lower surface 46 of the plate. As will be appreciated, the openings 72, 74 are axially aligned and representative of the location of the pin which holds the decoupler in position during molding of the channel plate therearound. Once the polymer is sufficiently cured, the pin is axially removed, thus leaving the voids or openings 72, 74.
• the upper surface of the decoupler is restrained from axial movement via a cruciform pattern 78 formed in the channel plate (FIGURE 3).
• Four enlarged quadrants 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d, are formed between the cruciform pattern and expose a substantial surface area of the upper surface of the decoupler to the fluid in the upper chamber 24.
• a cruciform pattern 82 defines four enlarged openings or lobes 84a, 84b, 84c, 84d so that a lower surface of the decoupler is exposed to fluid pressure in the lower chamber 26. It will be appreciated that the pattern of the plate holding the decoupler in fixed relation thereto may be varied from the cruciform relation as shown.
• the decoupler with an inertia channel allows the mounting assembly to provide dynamic stiffness in response to both small amplitudes of vibration and typically high frequency, as well as large amplitudes typically at a low frequency.
• the small amplitude/high frequency vibrations are handled by the elastic nature of the decoupler, while the large amplitude/low frequency vibrations are dampened through the inertia channel.
• the inertia channel is decoupled and fluid oscillates through the channel between the upper and lower chambers. As the oscillation frequencies increase, however, the decoupler dampens the vibrations as a result of the elastic nature of the decoupler.
• the decoupler is inserted and held in fixed relationship in the mold.
• the polymer of the channel plate is then introduced into the mold around the decoupler and fixes the decoupler in three orthogonal axes relative to the plate. Once the polymer is cured, the pin is removed from the decoupler.
• the decoupler is inserted into the mold preferably as a cured elastomer material and the polymer used to form the channel plate forms the perimeter channel or passage in the plate as a result of the inner wall configuration of the mold.
• An integrated channel plate assembly thus forms the combined components of the channel plate and decoupler/high frequency washer into one component.
• the integration is preferably achieved by molding the polymer around an inserted rubber disk.
• the polymer is molded into the shape of a channel plate with the rubber decoupler disk captured in place by the surrounding polymer and by the mold core.
• the part By designing the part so that the rubber disk is encased in polymer around its outer diameter and in a crossing pattern on the top and bottom, the disk is held in place.
• the remaining surface area of the rubber disk is not covered with polymer and thereby allows a large surface area to be exposed to the fluid.
• the decoupler disk flexes as a result of the pressure of the fluid resulting in a lower dynamic stiffness, i.e., function of decoupling.
• the functionality of separate components as used in the prior art is achieved with this integrated component.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
• Transportation (AREA)
• Combined Devices Of Dampers And Springs (AREA)
• Arrangement Or Mounting Of Propulsion Units For Vehicles (AREA)
• Vibration Prevention Devices (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Publications (2)

Family

ID=27734327

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (8)

Families Citing this family (4)

Citations (5)

Family Cites Families (4)

• 2003
  • 2003-02-04 KR KR10-2004-7012065A patent/KR20040082410A/ko not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2003-02-04 JP JP2003566436A patent/JP2005517137A/ja not_active Withdrawn
  • 2003-02-04 EP EP03710865A patent/EP1472472A4/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2003-02-04 WO PCT/US2003/003439 patent/WO2003067117A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2003-02-04 CA CA002474796A patent/CA2474796A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2003-02-04 AU AU2003215012A patent/AU2003215012A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2003-02-04 US US10/503,560 patent/US20050077662A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2003-02-04 MX MXPA04007533A patent/MXPA04007533A/es unknown

Patent Citations (5)

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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